Despite new firework regulations meant to protect the vulnerable, critics say enforcement is paramount to its success.
The statement from Citizens Against Noise Pollution of T&T (CANPTT), comes even as the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service warned citizens on Sunday that “the rules have changed, and so must our responsibility.”
Fireworks have long been a part of T&T’s celebrations.
But this year, new laws were introduced – permits are now required to discharge fireworks, and zones around hospitals, zoos, and animal shelters are off-limits.
However, Animal Welfare Advocate, Lara Quentral-Thomas say the regulations lack teeth, especially regarding enforcement.
“I’m really hopeful that the authorities put things in place to not just monitor, but to crack down on people who do break the law and who are in violation of the regulations, because that is the only way we’re going to stop this. If there’s no consequences for violating the regulations, people are going to keep doing it.”
President of Citizens Against Noise Pollution of T&T, Joey Maharaj agrees the law is a step forward, but warns that penalties are too low to deter offenders.
“Hopefully, if a few of these people breach the law and they are charged, it might do some kind of damage. Again, the charge is minimal. But given the time, Christmas time, Old Years’ time, I think some of these people with the amount of money that they spend on fireworks, $450 should be minimal. Some of them will say, all right, no problem, we’ll pay the $450.”
He is however more concerned with the enforcement of the law, especially on Old Year’s night.
“With the limited resources of the TTPS, how are they going to find all these people throughout Trinidad? From the time you hear the police sirens coming, people will usually pack up and leave. And it’s very difficult. It’s very difficult to actually find and enforce the law”
Coordinator of the Fireworks Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago, Roger Marshall, urged Government to conduct further consultations on the grey areas.
“The fact the fireworks can be sold to the general public without permits cannot work. The fact that there are 16 hours of permissible time for discharging fireworks without a permit cannot work. The half-mile radius of protection for hospitals, zoos, animal shelters, etc. is simply not enough. We need to hear more.”
He insists that the public overwhelmingly called for a ban on consumer fireworks, but is asking for answers from the Police Service.
“Fireworks have been exploding everywhere with zero police presence. We need to know and the Commissioner of Police needs to come out and tell the population how many permits have been issued for the disbursement of fireworks and how many tickets have been served as a result of people illegally disbursing the fireworks. We need to get serious about protecting people in the privacy of their homes.”
Mrs. Quentral Thomas added that the harm caused by fireworks is far from trivial.
“This is not us just sort of being hysterical and crazy cat ladies, you know, animals. I think there was a kangaroo at the zoo one year who, you know, it’s had a heart attack connected with the fireworks. So it’s this serious traumatic experience for the elderly, the sick animals, etc. And I really hope that they are walking the talk in terms of, you know, monitoring, fining people, following up.”
In a media release on Sunday, the TTPS assured that officers will maintain ‘heightened, intelligence-led patrols’ and warned that even if a warning is issued, prosecution can still follow.